Engine cranks, butwon't start. Timing belt is OK. Engine turns freely. Been having P0303 for months. Pulled the plugs to do a compression test. When the engine was cranked to check the compression on #1 water came out of #3 like Old Faithful in Yellowstone Park. That ended the test. Went to Alldata DIY to check the procedure and found out there are a bunch of "SPECIAL" tools needed for the head removal. Are all these "SPECIAL" tools needed to complete the head gasket removal or can I get away without them. I have all the metric hand and air tools needed for a head removal and most automotive test equipment. Is there anything I need to look out for when doing this job. Alldata is pretty complete on this procedure.

 

The 2 tools I advise on is the Cam lock tool (Some have made them check the site mainly in the V70 section) and the tool to press the top cam cover back on. Can be made as well.

Also when you get ready to do it after belt is off kind of move the VVT pulley some and it should lock. If it doesn't try lightly tapping it to get it to lock. Then you can mark the pulley and a spot on the cam cover and slide it off and not have to reset it like alldata says.

 

I just did this job without any of the special tools. I actually did a long block replacement, but still had to swap heads over. I would also reccomend the cam holding tools at least. I did not really see the need for the cam cover installer, as it was fairly easy to remove, and I carefully pulled it down evenly with the bolts. I do have quite a bit of tools, and was able to use a generic Snap On cam sprocket holder which worked out fairlyl well. If I do this job again, I will purchase the cam holding tools. Other than that , it was pretty straight forward cyllinder head replacement.